In children with UTIs, the C-allele polymorphism of VEGF-A gene is associated with probable congenital hypodysplastic (small and malformed) kidneys. Differing VEGF genotypes or T alleles do not appear to be associated with urinary reflux or other urinary tract anomalies.
VEGF-A (a gene located on chromosome 6) has a wide spectrum of molecular functions which impact biological processes (e.g. vasculogenesis, cell maturation, outflow tract morphogenesis, mammary areolar development, etc.).
A study examined (VEGF-A)-460 C/T functional gene polymorphisms (different forms of a single gene) and renal abnormalities in 76 children with their first urinary tract infection (UTI) and 63 uninfected children.